4 Reasons to utilize Cloud Technology on the Plant Floor

Tuesday, 21 December 2021 09:26

4 Reasons to utilize Cloud Technology on the Plant Floor

By Bryan Christiansen

Bryan Christiansen, Founder and CEO, Limble CMMS

GUEST OPINION: Cloud technology is steadily revolutionizing plant floor operations by providing manufacturers with cutting-edge solutions for streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, improving data management and team collaborations.

The technology is available as:

• Software as a service (SaaS) — distributes several enterprise software via the internet.
• Platform as a service (PaaS) — a subscription-based service that allows companies to develop their manufacturing management software.
• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) — offers remote data management solutions (cloud servers).

Cloud technology is gaining popularity across the globe as digital transformation picks pace. It's expected for technology to have a market value of US$ 1,251.09 billion by 2028, with the manufacturing segment poised to have the highest growth rates. How is using cloud technology affecting plant floor operations?

1. Enhanced remote control and access

Operators monitor the status of several devices like pumps, valves, sensors or motors, and the process variables (system pressure, temperature, flow rates, etc.). Operators rely on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems to monitor and control processes. Companies host these solutions on physical servers within their facilities. Such a setup requires dedicated hardware systems and limits flexibility (expansion or contraction to suit business needs). Companies can now shift SCADA systems, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and supply chain solutions to IaaS platforms and enjoy better remote access and control of manufacturing systems.

Proactive asset maintenance remains critical to production processes. Companies are implementing predictive maintenance to ensure timely and accurate maintenance of assets. They automate maintenance services using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) available on cloud platforms and are distributed remotely to maintenance personnel through mobile devices. Cloud-based CMMS solutions store vast amounts of maintenance data and simplify the allocation and tracking of maintenance work.

Cloud technology offers cheaper software deployments, flexible upscaling or downgrading, and better software updates. Companies do not incur costs for the one-off purchase of software, licenses, hardware, and subsequent maintenance. The access software solutions on demand and pay based on the computing resources that they utilize.

2. Better productivity and efficiency

Cloud technology platforms provide invaluable tools for boosting plant floor productivity and the efficiency of processes. They facilitate the collection and processing of data at every stage of the operation. 

Manufacturing facilities use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for production and demand planning. They also use Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software for design and production. Companies also forecast demand using real-time market insights and incorporate the statistics into production schedules. They have to keep track of all maintenance activities and identify process bottlenecks. It helps maintenance teams to optimize maintenance schedules, thereby enhancing overall equipment effectiveness.

All these solutions are computer-resource intensive. Since each solution solves a particular problem, companies host them on independent local servers. It may take time to consolidate data from all these platforms for decision-making. Cloud technology provides superior computing power and allows remote collaboration with production experts from across the globe. Companies manage floor operations with a handful of on-site operators, while remote workers like CAD designers and data analysts handle the technical aspects. 

Companies can manage operations on lean budgets by subscribing to comprehensive cloud-based packages that resonate well with their business prospects to simplify data management across departments. Through unified data management, companies can plan on optimal utilization of production resources. With a shorter planning and maintenance turn-around time, companies can focus on full-blown production and grow their revenues. 

3. Seamless integration of processes

The manufacturing plant floor consists of different departments that work in unison. Often, each department develops policies for managing staff and operations independently. It leads to miscommunication and operational challenges. To avoid these issues, companies can use SaaS platforms to share and update standard operating procedures, regulations, production targets, and departmental responsibilities - using only one document. The platforms allow cross-departmental collaborations and enhance the visibility of processes.

Cloud technology provides tools for managing employee attendance and remunerations. Managers share production data and evaluate workforce requirements. Using the SaaS platforms, managers can alter production schedules and communicate the changes to all employees in one go using personalized emails or instant messages. A cloud-based integration solution enhances the transparency of plant floor operations. Cloud storage holds massive amounts of data required for streamlining workforce and production processes.

4. Improved accuracy and safety of data

Data protection is a big concern in the age of Industry 4.0. Past data breaches have seen companies lose proprietary information and control over equipment and processes. It has resulted in production breakdowns and losses amounting to millions of dollars. 

By shifting to cloud technology, companies enjoy better data security and privacy. Vendors use advanced data encryption and user authentication techniques. They utilize several servers available across the world to store information. That way, companies can keep multiple copies of vital information. In case of an attack, they will still have access to digital duplicates. 

Cloud service providers engage highly-skilled cyber security experts who intercept threats to guarantee industrial safety and reliability. Small manufacturing facilities that cannot hire cyber security specialists enjoy all-year-round system protection at no extra cost. The cloud servers hold massive amounts of accurate data vital for decision making, planning, and progress evaluation on the plant floor.

Final Remarks

The benefits of cloud technology on the plant floor are limitless. It provides essential human resource and asset management tools for companies of any size. Cloud-based solutions are scalable and provide flexibility for manufacturers to adapt and thrive amid challenges, stiff global competition, and unpredictable business environments. 

About the Author: Bryan Christiansen is the founder and CEO of Limble CMMS. Limble is a modern, easy-to-use mobile CMMS software that takes the stress and chaos out of maintenance by helping managers organize, automate, and streamline their maintenance operations.

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